CHICAGO, IL – May brought the showers Chicago typically enjoys in April, but despite some soggy weather, the construction team continued their work critical to a stable and covered structure. If you’ve been following the blog or the bulletin, you’ve seen many pictures of the activity on-site.

1. The north wall truss backplates are in place and inspected, a required good practice.

2. The masonry enclosing the truss ends is complete on the north wall.

3. An additional support beam was deemed necessary in both the NE and SE corners of the building to provide additional stability. The NE corner support is installed.

4. All steel products required for completion of the roof support structure are on-site.

5. Some may be curious about the green screening added to the fencing on the northside of the building. This was required by a city environmental inspector and is intended to contain the dust from our work. The holes are intentional, preventing the wind from knocking over the fence.

6. The Institute architect, Bill Heyer, visited the site in May to inspect progress to date against his design. He also met briefly with the local architect, Walter Street, to discuss thoughts on Phase II.

You may recall that Phase II includes those items which enclose the building envelope (such as windows and doors) and make building occupancy permissible per Chicago’s permit rules. These elements include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, accessibility, safety, etc.

It is not until Phase III that beautification of the interior begins.

7. Save the Shrine’s Emily Nielsen and Jennifer Blackman met with the Shrine’s Project Manager in May as well. They agreed on steps that will further the journey towards a successfully restored historic building to house the Shrine of Christ the King.

8. The first payment from the National Fund was applied for in May. Approval is expected no later than mid-June, with a check no later than mid-July.

As a reminder, this grant is a 2:1 matching grant for the roof structure and roof. This grant requires the Institute to reach $500,000 in construction project gifts, pledges and in-kind contributions since 11/1/2017 to qualify for the National Fund’s $250,000 grant.

The $250,000 fund-raising challenge toward the Fund’s first check was achieved through construction project gifts, pledges and in-kind contributions of many, many generous donors throughout the United States, for which those who believe in the Institute and the Shrine are incredibly grateful.

The final National Fund check cannot be applied for until the project (roof structure and roof) is complete and inspected by the Fund’s representatives.

Thank you to all who contribute time, money, materials, labor and other forms of support to this first step in this very ambitious three-phase restoration project.